Everyone craves BBQ at one time or another. But the question is: does everyone have the required materials? You have the burgers, you have the strings of sausages, you have the buns and the mustard and the ketchup… but do you have a grill? 

Well, not everyone has a lot of cash to fork out for a grill, so you need the best grill under 500 for your backyard parties.  And I have a list of 10 of the absolute best ones out there, all under 500. So, take a look down below at my top 10 and choose one to enjoy that juicy meat.

Our Best Grills Under 500

PRODUCT

COOKING SURFACE

BEST FOR

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310

450 sq. in. Best Overall ·         GS4 grilling system

·         Open cart design

·         Folding side table

·         Side tables with hooks

Cuisinart CGG-200 Tabletop

240 sq. in. Best Small ·         Built-in hood thermometer

·         Fold-out side shelves

·         Twist-to-start ignition

·         Sturdy painted steel base

Blackstone 1825

720 sq. in. Best Budget Pick ·         Adjustable heat-zones

·         Electric igniter

·         Secure footing

·         Built-in grease catcher

Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210

450 sq. in. Best Large ·         Electronic ignition system

·         Porcelain-enameled lid

·         Built-in lid thermometer

·         Fold-down side tables

1. Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310

Highlighted Features

  • GS4 grilling system
  • Open cart design
  • Folding side table
  • Side tables with hooks

This grill has a spacious cooking area and lets you cook an entire meal for your family.

Construction: Weber’s grill has a GS4 grilling system with an open cart design. This grill also includes an infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enameled flavorizer bars, and a grease management system.

It has cast-iron cooking grates that are porcelain enameled and comes with an extra warming rack with 2 side tables while the left side table is foldable in order to save space. Plus, there are integrated hooks on the side tables to hang the utensils. It doesn’t come with one of those foldable cutting boards, so you can find a great cutting board here if you are looking for one.

Moreover, there is also a built-in thermometer that allows you to check the temperature. The grill has 2 large wheels to move it around with complete convenience.

Function: The GS4 grilling system is what makes the grill easy and convenient to use as it has an infinite burner that ignites quickly. Then there are burner tubes in which the gas is flowing consistently, thus providing uniform heating to cook the food evenly.

During the cooking process, any grease that falls on the flavorizer bars is evaporated to give an exotic, smoky flavor to your food. Moreover, this grill has a grease management system that catches the grease effectively.

While cooking many of us like our tools to be near so they are within easy reach, and the integrated hooks allow just that. The side tables that the grill has can hold your plates, seasonings, sauces, or whatever that is needed.

Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning up after we are done cooking is an essential but distasteful part. The good news is that cleaning this grill isn’t that difficult at all because the grease is vaporized and whatever is left behind is collected in the drip tray that can be easily removed.

As for the cooking grates, you can clean them easily with dish soap and warm water. Just give them a scrub with a grill cleaning brush, rinse, and then dry. After that, you can put them away safely after seasoning.

Pros

  • Open cart design
  • Cast-iron cooking grates
  • 2 burners to control the heat
  • 2 large wheels to help in moving the grill
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Easy to use, store and clean

Cons

  • No handles to move the grill around

2. Cuisinart CGG-200 Tabletop

Highlighted Features

  • Built-in hood thermometer
  • Fold-out side shelves
  • Twist-to-start ignition
  • Sturdy painted steel base

This compact-sized tabletop grill is perfect for grilling meat to perfection. It features 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners to cook the food evenly.

Construction: Cuisinart CGG-200 grill has a porcelain-enamelled cooking grate and a painted steel base. Plus, it has a twist-to-start ignition, stainless steel burners, temperature gauge, drip tray, and folding side shelves.

Function: The Cuisinart tabletop grill, with its quick start, stainless steel burners and porcelain-enamelled cooking grate, heats up quickly to cook food conveniently and to perfection.

The temperature gauge lets you control the flame and the thermometer assists in controlling the heat. The double-wall stainless steel cover also helps in providing the heat evenly. Hence, you can grill chicken, steaks, hamburgers, fish, and seafood as per your liking.

The grill is compact so it can easily be moved from one place to another. You can place it on the balcony, deck, or patio and have a fun barbeque time. You can grill a variety of stuff such as fresh vegetables, bread, pizza, hamburgers, steak, roasts, seafood, fish, and much more. The side shelves provide extra space to either hold the plates or seasonings or tools. These side shelves can easily be folded under the cover after usage.

Cleaning and maintenance: The cleanup is simple. Remove the drip tray and empty the contents to get rid of the grease. Clean the inside of the grill when it has cooled down. Wipe clean the stainless steel surfaces. Season it for long-term preservation.

Pros

  • Double-wall stainless steel cover
  • The handle stays cool to the touch
  • Porcelain enamel grate
  • Folding stainless steel side shelves
  • Easy to clean, use and store

Cons

  • Easy-to-start ignition might stop working after some time

3. Blackstone 1825

Highlighted Features

  • Adjustable heat-zones
  • Electric igniter
  • Secure footing
  • Built-in grease catcher

This grill by Blackstone is a new and improved grill, which has a large surface to cook food for a big family.

Construction: The Blackstone Flat Top grill has a powder-coated black steel frame, stainless steel burners and thick cold rolled steel cooktop. Plus, it has an electric push-button igniter, 4 adjustable heat zones consisting of stainless steel burners, bottom & side shelves, a rear grease management system, a cutting board that can be removed, a paper towel holder, and hooks for placing trash bags.

Function: The start-up of this grill is fast and easy with electric ignition and no hassle of charcoal or matches. Since it has 4 heat zones, you can cook a variety of stuff at different heat settings. The cooktop is spacious enough to cook food for a large number of guests at a party or get-together. With the convenience of 4 heat settings, you can also use it partially to cook for yourself or your family. You can cook everything – from fish, chicken, and steak to stir-frying vegetables and preparing breakfast foods.

The bottom and side shelves provide the convenience of storing tools and condiments that need to be within reach while you are cooking. A cutting board is also available for prepping the vegetables and meat. Transporting the grill is pretty convenient as well for it has 4 industrial-strength caster wheels out of which 2 can be locked for secure footing.

Cleaning and maintenance: This grill has an efficient clean-up system where the garbage bag is placed exactly beneath the cutting board for the convenient disposal of any remnants. Paper towels are also at hand for cleaning purposes. Most importantly, the grease cup is at the rear and the grease runs into it without making a mess. After cleaning the grill, season it and keep it covered to avoid rusting.

Pros

  • Large cooking surface
  • 4 zone heating control
  • Electric ignition for quick startup
  • Built-in grease catcher for easy cleanup
  • 4 heavy-duty castors to move the grill around
  • Easy to clean, use and store

Cons

  • No lid to cover the grill

4. Weber 46110001 Spirit E-210

Highlighted Features

  • Electronic ignition system
  • Porcelain-enameled lid
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Fold-down side tables

Weber grill comes with a stylish design with no compromise on convenience and taste.

Construction: Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Grill consists of porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grates, porcelain-enamelled lid, porcelain-enamelled flavorizer bars, Infinite control burner valves, and a painted steel door.

Plus, it also has an electronic ignition system, built-in lid thermometer, stainless steel fold-down side tables, grill cabinet, fuel gauge for LP models only, and front-access grease tray with catch pan.

Function: Weber Grill has sufficient cooking space for cooking a variety of stuff. Moreover, there is a quick start with electronic ignition and the intensity of the flame can be controlled with the burner valves. The cast-iron cooking grates retain heat quite well for even cooking of food.

The flavorizer bars give a smoky flavour to the food when grease drippings fall on them. The lid helps in retaining the heat and moisture to make the food you grill juicy and succulent. You can monitor the heat with the built-in thermometer and vary the heat setting to control the heat.

The grill has a cabinet for storing the barbequing tools. The side tables provide extra space for placing the side dishes, seasoning, or plates. There is a fuel gauge also available in LP models that lets you know how much fuel is left in the grill so you can refill it conveniently.

Cleaning and maintenance: The cleaning and maintenance of the Weber grill is an easy task. The grease catch pan is disposable so you can throw it away when it is full. Cooking grates can be cleaned with a cleaning brush. The exterior can be wiped clean after it cools down.

Pros

  • Aesthetically appealing
  • Ample cooking surface area
  • Six tool hooks for accessing grilling tools with ease
  • Easy-to-clean grease management system
  • Easy to use and store

Cons

  • No side handles to move the grill

5. Kamado Joe Jr. KJ13RH

Highlighted Features

  • Ceramic grill with cast iron stand
  • Heat-resistant shell
  • Cast-iron air vent
  • Built-In temperature gauge

This grill has a new and exciting design that we don’t see every day, but it’s perfect for searing meat and getting that smoky taste that we all love.

Construction: The Kamado Joe Jr. charcoal grill consists of a 304-stainless steel cooking grate, a premium 13.5-inches ceramic grill with a cast-iron stand, and a thick-walled shell that is heat resistant. Plus, it also has a cast-iron air vent and a built-in temperature gauge.

Function: Kamado Joe Jr. is your perfect companion while you are tailgating, going for a picnic, or partying with a small gathering of friends. The charcoal grill provides the perfect smoky flavour to the food that you grill or smoke. You also have the option of baking different stuff. The design of the grill with a heat-resistant shell helps retain the smoke and moisture pretty conveniently.

Plus, there is a cast-iron air vent for controlling the temperature inside the grill precisely. The cast-iron stand provides the necessary height for grilling while the handle on the stand helps you conveniently carry the grill anywhere you like.

Cleaning and maintenance: Ashes can be cleaned from the bottom by thoroughly cleaning the ash basket. The grates can be taken out and cleaned with a cleaning brush.

Pros

  • New exciting design with a stand
  • Great for tailgating or for a picnic
  • Heat-resistant shell
  • Cast-iron air vent
  • Built-In temperature gauge
  • Easy to use, store and clean

Cons

  • No handles on the side to lift up the grill

6. Char-Broil 463375919 Cabinet Style

Highlighted Features

  • Swing-away warming rack
  • 10,000-BTU lidded side burner
  • Electronic ignition system
  • Stainless steel side shelves

Char-Broil grill has a whole stainless steel design. It is packed with so many features that one can’t even decide which one is the best.

Construction: The Char-Broil propane gas grill has a stainless steel finish with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and stainless steel burners. Plus, there is an electric ignition start-up, a lidded side burner, 2 stainless steel side shelves, a swing-away warming rack, a lid-mounted temperature gauge, a cabinet with 2 stainless steel doors, and a porcelain-coated grease pan.

Function: The grill starts up pretty quickly with just a push of a button. Stainless steel burners have separate control knobs for providing precise heat. The grill has sufficient cooking space where 20 burgers can be cooked at once. The cooking grates heat up quickly and retain heat well for cooking the food evenly.

The lid-mounted temperature gauge helps you monitor the temperature and control the heat inside the grill. There is a warming rack as well that can act as a secondary cooking surface or you can prepare side dishes on it or toast buns if you want.

Side burner is also available where you can prepare sauces or sides while your main cooking area is occupied. It also has a lid so it can be folded down to protect the burner and can also be used as a side shelf. The side shelves provide the convenience of extra workspace for prepping or keeping plates or sides. The grill also comes with a cabinet where you can store the propane tank and the grilling accessories.

Cleaning and maintenance: The grease pan can be removed for easy cleanup. The cooking grates can be cleaned with a cleaning brush using soapy water.

Pros

  • Ample cooking area surface
  • Warming rack to keep the food aside
  • Built-in lid thermometer to check the temperature
  • Quick and easy startup with electronic ignition
  • Easy to use, store and clean

Cons

  • No side handles to move the grill

7. Fuego F21C-H, Dark Gray

Highlighted Features

  • Spacious cooking surface
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Dual-zone burner system
  • Residue removal system

This grill design by Fuego is quite different from the other grills although it’s a bit small it’s packed with features that will satisfy your needs.

Construction: The Fuego gas grill has a cast-iron grilling grate along with a griddle and pizza stone kit which are optional. Plus, it has a dual-zone burner system with direct and indirect grilling. It also has a porcelain-enamelled lid and residue tray.

Function: The grill is ideal for use in a small patio or balcony. It has a sufficient cooking space to cook a variety of stuff. You can cook 14 small burgers conveniently at once. The dual-zone burner system heats up the grill within seconds.

You can not only grill but also make pizza or prepare breakfast with the additional accessories of the griddle and pizza stone. The grill comes with direct and indirect grilling options that make it very interesting to use. So you can either place the food directly over the heat or use the burners on the sides to heat the grill, providing indirect heat.

Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning is very easy as there is an efficient grease management system where the grease drips down into the residue tray for convenient disposal. You simply take it out and wipe it off. The cooking grates can be cleaned with the brass bristle brush. The lid being porcelain-coated is rust and wear-resistant so it can last long.

Pros

  • Spacious cooking surface
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Handle on the sides and on the lid
  • Dual-zone burner system
  • Residue removal system

Cons

  • Wheels are cheap so they might break

8. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado

Highlighted Features

  • Solid steel construction
  • Adjustable top damper
  • Bottom damper & ash pan
  • Large locking wheels

This grill shaped like a rocket comes in a jet black color with a lot of features hidden underneath its lid.

Construction: Akorn Kamado Char-Griller with insulated design has a body made up of 22 gauge steel, powder-coated steel finish on the exterior, porcelain-coated steel finish on the inside, and a cast-iron cooking surface.

Moreover, the cart is made of tubular steel with rubber wheels and a locking caster on the front side. Plus, there are top & bottom adjustable dampers, a locking lid, 2 folding black metal shelves, a warming rack, an ash pan, triple-walled insulation, and a heat gauge.

Function: With its great design and construction, Akorn provides exceptional performance. The triple-walled heat insulation helps in the retention of heat and maintenance of temperatures in the grill. The cast-iron grates heat up quickly and cook the food evenly. The additional warming rack can be used for keeping the food warm or preparing sides. The top and bottom dampers help in maintaining airflow and controlling heat. Therefore, you can conveniently grill at high heat or cook on slow smoke as per your requirement.

The side shelves with hooks are an added storage space where you can keep the grilling tools, seasonings, or side dishes. They can be folded when not in use. The grill can be transported easily with the help of 2 sturdy caster wheels and can be firmly secured at the place of grilling with a locking caster at the back.

Cleaning and maintenance: The ash pan at the bottom helps in removing the ashes pretty conveniently. The cooking grates can be cleaned with a wire brush. Keep the grill seasoned for proper maintenance and long-lasting performance.

Pros

  • Solid steel construction
  • Adjustable top and bottom damper
  • 2 folding side shelves
  • Removable warming rack
  • Ashpan to collect all the ashes
  • Large locking wheels
  • Easy to use store and clean

Cons

  • No side handles to move the grill

9. Royal Gourmet GB8000, Black

Highlighted Features

  • Electronic ignition
  • Two separate grilling areas
  • Grease drip pans & cups
  • Lockable caster wheels
  • Ample prep & workspace

The Royal Gourmet is a big grill and it provides a large cooking surface for all kinds of backyard parties and family cookouts.

Construction: Royal Gourmet liquid propane gas grill consists of wire porcelain cooking grates with an integrated folding screen and 8 stainless steel burners with 2 sets of regulators. Plus, it has an electronic ignition system, 2 large grease cups, an oil catch-pan, 2 folding side tables, 2 heavy-duty shelves, and 4 lockable caster wheels.

Function: The grill has a fast and reliable start with electronic ignition. 8 burners provide 8 different cooking zones with stable and even flame. The grill has 2 separate grilling areas with 2 sets of regulators to control the heat.

You have the liberty of using just 2 burners if cooking for just yourself or using the entire system for cooking for a large number of people. The retention of heat by the grates is quite good and they provide even heat to the food keeping the juices intact and making the meat succulent.

The side tables provide the much-needed extra workspace that can be used for prepping or keeping seasoning, sides, or plates. Plus, there are 2 shelves that can be used for storing the grilling accessories. The grill can be transported anywhere in the backyard or patio due to its sturdy caster wheels. It can also be placed securely due to the locking system of the caster wheels.

Cleaning and maintenance: Royal Gourmet has a durable construction that can withstand weather changes or other wear & tear. The grease removal is quite efficient with the removable grease cups and grease drip pans.

Pros

  • Quick startup by electronic ignition
  • Two separate grilling areas
  • Ample space to cook on
  • Non-stick cooking surface
  • Grease drip pans & cups
  • Lockable caster wheels
  • Easy to use and clean

Cons

  • No lid to cover the grill
  • No side handles to move the grill around

10. Cuisinart CGG-999, Flat Top

Highlighted Features

  • Three independent burners
  • Fold-away prep shelves
  • 360° grease reservoir
  • Handy paper towel holder

This uniquely designed grill by Cuisinart is a model that is suitable for a balcony or a patio. Plus, its ample cooking surface allows you to cook all your favourite items.

Construction: Cuisinart Griddle Cooking Station has a cooking surface made of cold-rolled steel, a vented stainless steel lid, and 3 heat zones controlled by independent burners. Plus, it consists of 2 foldable side tables, a roomy cabinet, an efficient grease management system, and a paper towel holder.

Function: The 30-inch flat cooking griddle has a sufficient cooking surface for entertaining family and friends. The burners provide the perfect temperature for cooking the food. The grill can turn into an oven due to the stainless steel vented lid so you can do smoking, steaming, baking, and roasting with this grill as well. The side tables provide extra space for keeping the sides, seasonings or plates. They can also be used for prepping or keeping grilling tools. The cabinet helps in presenting a neat look by hiding the propane tank inside.

Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning is pretty convenient with an efficient grease management system where the grease flows to the grease cup from the 360-degree grease reservoir around the griddle. The paper towel is easily accessible for cleaning grease or dirty hands. The griddle can be cleaned with water and a scraper. Keeping it seasoned will help in making it even easier to clean.

Pros

  • Griddle top
  • 2 collapsible side shelves
  • Three independent burners
  • Paper towel holder
  • An over-sized grease pan
  • Grease management system
  • Easy to use, store and clean

Cons

  • No side handles to move the grill

Things To Look For Before Buying!

Although all the grills may look more or less the same, they have a variety of features that cause confusion when you actually try to buy a grill. So how to go about it?

One way is to look at the following features and analyze your top picks accordingly, so you can put your finger on a model that is the best fit for you.

Therefore, the following are the features you should definitely consider when buying a grill:

  • Is the cooking grate of good quality?
  • Does it have a spacious cooking surface?
  • Is it portable?
  • Does it have heat-resistant handles?
  • What fuel does it use?

Buying Guide

Conclusion

Now that I have discussed the 10 best grills in detail, the ball is in your court. But personally, the Weber 45010001 Spirit II E-310 is what I like the most. It comes in a beautiful black colour with a spacious cooking surface. You can try many different types of recipes. Plus, it has a GS4 grilling system that makes cooking easier.

Be safe and keep on trying new and different recipes to make your family time more fun and adventurous!